Updated Version 3 - DuPont raises its annual profit forecast, expects fourth-quarter performance to improve due to strong healthcare and aerospace business results.

Update stock price information and add executive comments in paragraphs 2, 11, and 13

Pooja Menon

Reuters, November 3 - DuPont DD.N raisedits full-year profit outlook on Tuesday and predictedthis quarter’s earnings would top Wall Street forecasts, after its third-quarter results were boosted by strong demand in the healthcare, aerospace and industrial water markets .

The industrial materials manufacturer’s share price rose 7.6% in early trading.

The global chemicals sector continues to face persistent overcapacity and uneven demand from key end-markets.

However, DuPont has benefited from a range of capital allocation initiatives, including the spin-off of its electronics business (link), debt reduction, share buybacks, and price increases to offset rising raw material and energy costs.

Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein noted that the company’s third quarter report shows it successfully offset cost increases with pricing while expanding margins, and that the market is responding positively to management's upbeat outlook.

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The company raised its 2026 adjusted core profit forecast from the previous range of $1.75 billion to $1.77 billion to nearly $1.79 billion.

The company expects full-year adjusted earnings per share to be $7.47 to $7.52, compared to its prior forecast of $7.17 to $7.32.

DuPont’s Chief Financial Officer Antonella Franzen said full-year results are expected to reach or surpass the high end of the previous guidance range.

DuPont said it completed a $250 million accelerated share repurchase program in the third quarter and essentially completed a $100 million open market share buyback.

The company plans to repurchase another $250 million of shares in the fourth quarter.

DuPont executives said on the earnings call that the pace of future share buybacks will depend on the timing of potential M&A transactions.

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Net sales in its healthcare and water solutions division rose nearly 4% year over year to $865 million, while sales in its diversified industrials segment grew by 4.2% to surpass $1 billion.

Company executives said that, due to ongoing operational disruptions, major water projects in the Middle East are now expected to be delayed until 2027.

According to data compiled by LSEG, Wilmington, Delaware-based DuPont expects fourth quarter adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of $1.90 to $1.95, above analysts' average forecast of $1.87 per share.

The company reported third quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.09, beating analysts' estimate of $1.87 per share.

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